Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Hampton Roads (NCTS HR) held a modified Change of Command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads in Norfolk, Virginia, on April 10 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Ken Williamson transferred responsibility as the commanding officer to Cmdr. Chris Goodson.

"Serving as the CO of NCTS Hampton Roads has been an incredible honor, with some notable achievements by this team along the way,” said Williamson. “Your performance keeping the fleet up on Internet Protocol services during major upgrades both here and at Pacific Regional Network Operation Center with minimal impact to the fleet was nothing short of exceptional. Additionally, the coordination between us and Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command in defense of the network during the Command Cyber Operational Readiness Inspection was also memorable. Cmdr. Goodson inherits a team that is more than prepared and dedicated to meeting the challenge of delivering responsive, resilient, and secure operational and tactical C2 capabilities worldwide."

Capt. Brad Kinkead, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic Commanding Officer (NCTAMS LANT), presided over the ceremony, praising Williamson for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the command.

“Cmdr. Williamson has always been a strong advocate for the crew at NCTS Hampton Roads, with a focus on taking care of his personnel, while executing the mission,” said Kinkead. “As we look to the future, I know Cmdr. Goodson is up to the challenge as both NCTAMS LANT and NCTS HR prepare to move into our new, state of the art facility, while still delivering seamless service to the fleet.”

Cmdr. Williamson is a native of Cross, South Carolina, graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and was commissioned an ensign through the Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida. Williamson holds a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Electrical Engineering.

Cmdr. Goodson, who reports from duty as the Executive Officer, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Bahrain, assumed command of more than 205 military and civilian personnel at NCTS HR.

“I am humbled to lead such a fine organization with great talent and I’m looking forward to executing our mission, providing critical fleet communications and network support to the warfighter,” said Goodson.

A native of Lincolnton, North Carolina, Cmdr. Goodson graduated from Norfolk State University in 2000, and commissioned as an ensign through the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP). Goodson holds a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Information Systems Technology Management.

NCTS HR is also the home of the Unified Atlantic Region Network Operations Center (UARNOC) and delivers critical fleet communications to over 700 afloat and shore based operational commands in the Atlantic Fleet. All Internet Protocol services, to include classified and unclassified email and internet for all afloat units in the 2nd and 4th Fleet Areas of responsibility are supported by UARNOC. NCTS HR operationally reports to Commander 10th Fleet via Task Force 1010, Naval Network Warfare Command, and NCTAMS LANT.

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